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The academy, established by August Everding, is adding a four-semester Master?s programme to its eight-semester basic programme in singing and musical theatre. As head of department for the Master?s programme, Kovalik will be charged with creating its structure and curriculum as well as overseeing instruction.
In the meantime, Kovalik is staying busy. In March, he will direct a production of The Devils of Loudun by Kryztof Penderecki.
The opera, based on a dramatic rendition of an Aldous Huxley novel by John Whiting, is ?a social policy drama about how to get rid of somebody in a small town?, Kovalik says.
The story, based on historical facts, centres on Bishop Urbain Grandier, who comes under scrutiny because of the visions of a demon-possessed nun. But Grandier?s eventual death sentence is also politically motivated by his opposition to Cardinal Richelieu and the destruction of the city of Loudun?s fortifications.
?The structure of the piece is very interesting, as is the fact that it premiered during the student movement uprisings in Hamburg in 1968,? Kovalik said. ?It would be interesting to show the piece in Hungary, where it has never been performed,? he added.
Kovalik said the piece was chosen to offer German audiences something other than the standard fare of Puccini and Verdi.
?The audiences in German take their education seriously. The audience goes to the theatre because they?re curious about what will happen. They don?t expect something they already know,? he explained.
Kovalik will direct a production of The Marriage of Figaro in Braunschweig in May.
A production of Boito?s Mefistofele directed by Kovalik will be performed at the Hungarian State Opera eight times between January 21 and February 14.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
